BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 27. The East
Azerbaijan Province, located in the northwest of Iran, is actively
working to attract investors for collaborative ventures with
Azerbaijan, where efforts are underway to broaden the scope of
their activities and facilitate reciprocal business trips, the
province governor, Bahram Sarmast, told Trend.


According to him, the Iranian side views its relationship with
Azerbaijan as a top priority, emphasizing the historical
partnership that has developed over time, and this commitment has
been particularly evident since President Masoud Pezeshkian took
office, with a clear policy aimed at strengthening ties between the
two nations.


Sarmast mentioned that within the framework of mutual visits,
business representatives from both countries are expected to
exchange views and create conditions for joint cooperation,
supported by the East Azerbaijan Province.


"President Pezeshkian’s efforts to expand the powers of the
governors of border provinces are an important focus. Based on the
position of East Azerbaijan Province and Tabriz in the relations
with Azerbaijan, several priorities have been set for the
governorate.


The East Azerbaijan Province has the main trade turnover with
Türkiye, Russia, Iraq, and other countries. While there are trade
opportunities with Azerbaijan, they aren't considered satisfactory.
However, by developing trade relations, greater opportunities can
be created," he added.


Sarmast pointed out that in the grand scheme of East Azerbaijan
Province’s economic development, several plans are on the horizon
for implementation. East Azerbaijan, with Tabriz at its center, has
always held a unique position in various fields, including
politics, economy, industry, culture, and public sectors. As time
has gone by, East Azerbaijan has gradually pulled away from this
significant role. Steps are being taken to bring East Azerbaijan
back into the limelight. In this respect, the province has laid out
its sights on short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.


"East Azerbaijan Province has several infrastructure projects
that are considered essential for the province’s fundamental
development. Among these projects, special emphasis can be placed
on the highways and corridors passing through the province. These
include the Tabriz-Sufyan road, the road to the Bazargan border
crossing on the Turkish border, the Tabriz-Urmia highway, the
Hashtrud-Maragheh highway, the Khavaran-Tabriz and Tabriz-Cheshmeh
Soraya railway lines, and the strategic Kalaleh-Julfa road
connecting Azerbaijan to Iran through Nakhchivan. These
transportation infrastructures are of great importance for East
Azerbaijan. The creation of these connection routes is crucial for
the province.


One of the significant sectors in East Azerbaijan is the
industrial sector. This sector is considered both developed and
emerging in the province. Machine manufacturing and production of
spare parts for various types of equipment are available in the
province. There is also potential to develop the automobile
manufacturing industry.


A total of 57 industrial parks are actively operating in the
province. The province has a unique industrial park and the Araz
Free Trade Industrial Zone, established through foreign
investments. These potentials can play a unique role not only for
East Azerbaijan Province but also for trade exchanges with
neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan. Based on existing
partnerships in many fields, joint trade can be strengthened on
both sides of the border," he added.







The governor pointed out that by rolling out high-tech
industries in the region, the province is aiming to step up its
game. This is a key focus for East Azerbaijan Province.


"In the agricultural sector, the province has significant
potential. Poultry farming and the processing industry are key
areas of focus in the province.


East Azerbaijan Province has rich mineral resources, ranging
from copper to gold. Moreover, carpet weaving and several other
sectors are developing in the province. All of these play an
important role in the economic development of East Azerbaijan.


The province has an economic gateway role for neighboring
countries, both for the member countries of the Eurasian Economic
Union and for European countries.


The province is working to create opportunities for foreign
investors to invest in its industrial parks. At the same time,
efforts are being made to increase product exports to neighboring
countries," he concluded.


According to him, recently, 110 unnamed (not disclosed due to
various reasons) investment opportunities have been identified in
the economic sectors of East Azerbaijan Province. During the visit
of Iran’s Minister of Interior, Eskandar Momeni, to East
Azerbaijan, the presentation of four of these investment
opportunities was held. The value of these four investment
opportunities amounted to 220 trillion rials (approximately $168
million). Additionally, 130 unnamed investment opportunities have
been identified in the field of urban development. The East
Azerbaijan governorate is fully supporting investors
economically.


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